San Antonio’s Muertos Fest Returns for Its Biggest Día de los Muertos Celebration
Credit: Muertos Fest
Día de los Muertos is right around the corner, and what better way to commemorate the holiday than in the city recognized as the epicenter of Day of the Dead celebrations in the United States? In San Antonio, Texas, Muertos Fest honors loved ones who have crossed the marigold bridge and keeps their memory alive through a celebration of “vibrant sights, sounds, traditions, and emotions” of Día de los Muertos.
This year, the USA News & World Report named Muertos Fest as one of the best Fall Festivals in America.
The 12th annual event takes place at Hemisfair in downtown San Antonio on October 26-27. Hemisfair was the site of the 1968 World’s Fair. Muertos Fest attracts more than 100,000 visitors from across the U.S. each year. Organizers are anticipating that this year’s event will be the biggest ever.
Along with a record number of participants in the procession, there will also be a curated arts market, food booths and a lineup of performers, including San Antonio favorite Girl in a Coma; Los Angeles-based, Grammy winners La Santa Cecilia; Mexico City’s marimba group Son Rompe Pera; and a handful of dance groups and poets.
“San Antonio’s Día de los Muertos at Hemisfair bridges the gap of cultures, generations and unity among the many who embrace this event as an expression of love, respect and celebration for those who have left an indelible mark in our lives and in the world,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg in a statement. “I am confident the 12th annual Día de los Muertos celebration will be the best yet.”
Then, of course, there are the ofrendas (altars) that will be on display at Muertos Fest. This year, more than 80 altars have been created by families, schools, and community organizations from across South Texas.
“The traditions of Día de los Muertos have catapulted into a new era where our community, and in fact our country, have embraced the relevance, values and beauty of this spiritual celebration,” said Jim Mendiola, Muertos Fest Artistic Director, in a statement. “We are proud that San Antonio’s Muertos Fest is recognized as one of the country’s most significant Day of the Dead events. It is an amazing, immersive experience.”
